Jerry Lamar Smith passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 20, 2022. Jerry, more commonly known as “Pop,” spent his final days surrounded by family and friends that became family. His family appreciates everyone who showered him with love especially in his final days.
A kind man and a giver, he loved everyone with everything he had. If you knew him you loved him too. He was known for his teasing with all those around him and his ability to make people smile. In recent years he often kept a few teddy bears in his car in case he had a chance to give one to a small child he happened to meet while out shopping or dining at a restaurant. He certainly lived life on his terms, even to the point that it was almost a competition between his neighbor, Kevin and his grandson Tim to see which one could beat him in cutting his own grass. He loved to help people with projects and was always interested in what “you were up to.” Dinner with family was one of his favorite activities. When he was home, he was with his best kitty girls, Katie and Lola, watching the old westerns. He was a devoted Christian who loved going to church on Sundays even though he was stubborn and determined up until his dying day.
Jerry was born to Robert D. (Sr.) and Anita Smith of Bridgeville on Oct. 17, 1930. Even though he loved the family farm, T.S. Smith & Sons, he went to work at E.I. DuPont aka “the Plant” in Seaford, where he had a 42-year career. In his retirement he was often seen at the packing house or the Orchard Market for some ice cream! He certainly loved the farm!
Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife, June Dunham Smith and daughter, Donya Smith, his adoring second wife, Mary Francis and his stepson Hollis Bennett, Jr., his parents, Robert and Anita Smith, and his brother and sister-in-law Robert D. (Jeannette) Smith and sister and brother-in-law Verona (Jim) Grant, and many other loved ones throughout the years.
Jerry is survived by his son, Keith (Hélène) Smith and his four children, Alanna Smith, Adam (Hilary) Smith, Adrienne (Dan) Curtis and their two daughters, Emma and Charley, and Arek Smith; his daughter, Marla Carter (Clay) and her daughter, Courtney Carter; and by Donya’s children, Jason (Vanessa) Reed and their two children, Abigail and Joseph; Jana Warren and her three children, Noah, Marissa and Avery; Jarah (Tim) Hall and their two children, McKenzie and Jadyn; Josh (Kim) Reed and their daughter, Bailey; and by his stepchildren Ann (Don) Moore and John (Linda) Bennett and their daughter, Kristi (Matt) Rubino and their daughters, Sophie and Emma. Family was everything to him and he loved them all.
Services will be held at the Greenwood Mennonite Church, 12650 Mennonite School Road, Greenwood, DE on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. Since this is a celebration of life, we ask that you come as you are. A private interment service will be planned for a later date for close family members. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Delaware Hospice, Shriners Hospital for Children or the St. Jude Organization.
Jerry lived in such a way that his memory will forever live in the hearts and lives he touched. “Well done thou good and faithful servant” -Matthew 25:21.